1 John: Epistemology

radiantvisalia.com1 John: Epistemology (1 John 5:13-21)Scripture: 1 John 5:13-21, Mark 12:28-31, 1 John 3:14, Psalm 100Intro:Focus on knowledge in 1 John 5:13-21.Human nature: driven by heart, not just logic.Knowledge matters; not just head or heart alone.Knowledge Defined:Epistemology: study of knowledge.Belief vs. Knowledge: Belief: taking something as true.Knowledge: true belief + justification.Justification: knowing why you believe.John wants us to move from belief to knowledge (1 John 5:13).Two types of knowledge: Ido: factual, immediate, "seeing" (1 John 5:13).Gnosko: experiential, progressive, transformative (1 John 5:20).Why Knowledge Matters:Knowledge and Love are Connected:Jesus: love God with heart and mind (Mark 12:28-31).John: love shows we know God (1 John 3:14).What we love, we learn.Actions reflect love and knowledge.Gnostics Were Wrong:Gnostics: secret knowledge for salvation.John: eyewitness testimony, public knowledge (1 John 1:1-3).Knowledge of God is accessible.Assurance of Salvation:John: writes so we know we have eternal life (1 John 5:13).Belief saves, knowledge assures (1 John 5:1).Sin and Assurance (1 John 5:16-19): "Sin leading to death": hardness of heart, not one act.Habitual sin hardens, repentance becomes difficult.Sins confessed are forgivable.Assurance is possible with repentance.Knowledge Prompts Worship:Psalm 100: know God, worship Him.Gnosko knowledge of God leads to worship.God's goodness and love inspire worship.Call to Action:Seek gnosko knowledge of God.Respond in worship: Communion: remembering Jesus' sacrifice.Prayer: seeking experiential knowledge.Singing: expressing praise.Conclusion:Knowledge of God is vital for faith and worship.Seek both factual and experiential knowledge. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.